Both candidates for Lexington mayor agree that employment must be a key focus of local government. Incumbent Mayor Jim Gray and challenger Anthany Beatty took center stage last night at Transylvania University, in a debate sponsored by the school and the Lexington Forum.
Jim Gray points to his role in setting aside $1 million in a jobs fund and an advanced manufacturing collaboration with Louisville as examples of his commitment to placing jobs first. The mayor says intellectual capital comes from the University of Kentucky, Transylvania University and Bluegrass Community and Technical College. "That's why we describe Lexington in many respects as a university city and it's different than just a college town," said Gray.
Anthany Beatty says, if he's elected, he'll draw together a think tank to further jobs in existing successful industries. "How do we partner better with the health care industry, the equine industry to ensure that we can even create more and better jobs for our citizens?" asked Beatty.
Both men say parts of downtown have experienced economic revitalization. Former police chief Beatty says development in an area like Jefferson street did mean displacing some residents, adding, "So how do we make sure that the folks who are there that established the neighborhood still have an opportunity to remain there, even after all the progress happens?”
Gray says the city's Housing Authority worked to help relocate displaced residents. He says economic growth brings with it other benefits, asserting, "The real energy is the diversity that exists today on the north side and the reaching out.”
The two candidates have now four times in forum or debate programs during the last few weeks.
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